Bus Driver (Part-Time)

City of Highland Park; Highland Park (IL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Highland Park's Transit Division seeks a part-time transit bus operator to provide safe, courteous, and efficient service on fixed and seasonal routes. The role includes daily vehicle inspections, record-keeping, and compliance with DOT standards.

Starting at $31.50 per hour, employment is contingent upon approval by PACE to operate transit vehicles. The position offers approximately 30 hours per week, typically Monday through Saturday, with evening and weekend shifts for Ravinia Park

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years transit bus operation experience.
• CDL Class B with passenger endorsement and air brake qualification.
• DOT medical examination and drug/alcohol screening required.
• Five-year safe driving history as per Illinois DOT.

Responsibilities

• Operate transit bus safely on designated routes and adapt to varying conditions.
• Complete trip sheets, maintenance logs, accident reports, and safety checklists.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and assist passengers, including wheelchair operations.
• Assist with Ravinia Park Festival events from June through September.

Skills

Defensive driving

Public interaction

Communication skills

Safe driving

Public safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Division: Transit

Primary Purpose: Operates a transit bus to provide passengers with safe, courteous, and efficient public transportation services on fixed and seasonal routes. Performs daily inspections, maintains records, and ensures compliance with all safety standards and regulations.

Supervision Received: Works under the direct supervision of the Transit Coordinator.

Starting Salary: $31.50 / hr

**Employment is contingent upon approval by PACE to operate transit vehicles

• Operate transit vehicles safely and professionally along designated routes. Employ defensive driving techniques, communicate with passengers, make public address announcements, answer transit related inquiries, and adapt to changing traffic or route conditions.
• Complete required reports and documentation including trip sheets, maintenance logs, accident reports, and safety checklists.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the transit vehicle, including internal and external visual checks, and testing of safety equipment and controls. Turn in lost-and-found items at end of shift.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

**Required Minimum Qualifications:** The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Strong oral and written communication skills are required.

Experience: One to three years of bus operation and transit system experience. Ability to interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner is essential.

Certification or License:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class B
• Passenger endorsement and air brake qualification
• Five-year safe driving history certified by the Illinois Secretary of State or equivalent
• Must meet and maintain all U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination requirements, including drug and alcohol screening
• Employment is contingent upon approval by PACE to operate transit vehicles

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Proficiencies:

• Operate a transit bus safely using standard defensive driving techniques
• Follow route schedules while adapting to road hazards, detours, and delays
• Use mobile radios to coordinate passenger connections and receive dispatch instructions
• Complete required paperwork and reports accurately and timely
• Operate wheelchair lift and secure passengers according to protocol
• Maintain a clean and safe bus interior throughout shift
• Maintain professional demeanor and public service orientation under pressure

Work Environment: Work is performed in a fixed-route transit bus operating on City streets. The interior noise level is typical of a large vehicle in motion.

Public Works transit routes operate Monday through Saturday starting at 7:00 AM, continuing until approximately 7:30 PM. This part-time position is scheduled within those hours and is limited to approximately 30 hours per week, not to exceed 130 hours per month.

also assist with seasonal evening and weekend bus service for Ravinia Park Festival events from June through September.